40 FLOWEKS AND THE FLOWER GAttDEN, 



The variegated Mezereon is a handsome shrub, growing 

 well on dry sandy loam without manure : it must have 

 good clear air. It originated in a seedling, and is per- 

 petuated by grafting, very carefully performed. 



The golden striped Japan Spindle-tree, Uluonymus 

 Japonicus aureus variegatus, is a low-growing evergreen 

 shrub, which will do well in warm localities, but will not 

 stand the north of England, without being taken up for 

 the winter. The ovate leaves are a gay mixture of green 

 and bright yellow. It requires a sandy loam and a dry 

 subsoil, and it may be increased by layers and cuttings, 

 choosing for the purpose the shoots which are the most 

 handsomely variegated. June is the time for layering 

 it : bend the shoot down with great care, make a slit on 

 the under side, peg it down, and cover it with an inch in 

 thickness of sandy soil. In the autumn of the following 

 year it may be parted from the old plant, potted, and 

 kept in the house, but in a cool situation, until the next 

 spring, when it may be planted out. Cuttings may be 

 taken in March, and plunged in gentle heat for striking. 



The variegated Yucca is a very handsome variety, its 

 long leaves being gaily striped with yellow and two 

 shades of green, and tinged with pink at the base, with 

 curious thready appendages hanging from the sides. It 

 must be planted in an open space, not crowded among 

 shrubs, nor subject to the drip of trees. . It wants a good 

 loamy soil, mixed with well rotted cow-dung, and is pro- 

 pagated by offsets from old plants. 



The golden variegated Thorn, Cratcegus prunifolia 

 variegata, is a low bushy thornless tree, with handsome 

 foliage, beautifully, richly, and constantly variegated. It 

 is perfectly hardy, requires only a common soil, not too 

 rich, as manure makes the leaves run to green. It wants 

 full exposure to the sunlight to bring out its beautiful 

 colours. To propagate it, bud in June on the common 

 thorn, taking the buds from the most variegated 

 branches. It may be grafted in the same way in March. 

 As soon as the buds or grafts have grown rub off all 

 other shoots, giving the variegated kind the full strength 

 of the plant. 



